Swimming Lessons

Well, I was going to wait until the lessons were officially over, but things are booking up for the end of our week, so I decided to just go ahead and share. Beginning last week Ella kicked off her summer with swimming lessons. Poor Ms. Doris has got to be used to everyone calling her Dora...but my child...I think she'll be calling her "Ms. Dora's Pool" forever! (I know that the following pictures will all look the similar, but this is my best shot at a scrapbook so I'm including as many as I like....)

So far, they've floated on their backs, kicked, moved their arms, learned how to "crawl like a bug" on the side, made bubbles with their mouths and noses, learned the beginnings of a dive, and practiced lots of safety tips.

"See how the watermelon floats? Water is for helping us float."

After the first day, she was sold! She's been one happy swimmer ever since!

One day they wore their clothes and shoes to see what it feels like to swim in them (in case they ever were to fall in).

On this day, they learned how to properly float in a life jacket.

They also practiced how to rescue someone in the water that needs help.

A funny story about the past week that needs documenting for memory's sake: the second day of swimming lessons, Ella was a little less reserved. She was having a great time on the steps (where they wait their turn). Playing with sponges, water toys, and other friends, she splashed around, kicked, and had a grand old time. She even called out a couple of times to Kora and I, "Look!" As we continued to "look" on, we noticed that her bravery was taking her further and further to the edge of the steps. Eventually she went right past the steps and into the pool (and directly to the bottom). She was scooped up in a matter of seconds by one of the teachers, but the look on her face was complete terror. That was, until Ms. Doris excitedly proclaimed, "Look, Ella! You're swimming! I'm so proud of you! I can't believe you're swimming!" The expression went from scared to confused on Ella's face, but the way Ms. Doris handled it was perfect. And it gave us all a great laugh. I'm guessing she's seen that happen a couple of times.....